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Resources for K-12 Grade Teachers

Changing Alaska Science Education (CASE) is a program partnering graduate students with K-12 teachers to improve science education in Alaska. Graduate student fellows work in the classroom alongside teachers, engaging students in real-world research centered on climate change. CASE will be offered in the Fairbanks Northstar Borough, the Bering Strait School District, and the Southeast Island School District. Graduate students and teachers receive training through a short summer institute and seminar-style courses (optional for teachers). Teachers receive a small stipend for participating. If you are interested in hosting a graduate fellow in your classroom, contact Richard Boone (rdboone@alaska.edu), Laura Conner (ldconner@alaska.edu), or Kevin Winker (Kevin.winker@alaska.edu) for more information.

Training Institute for Partnerships in Science (TIPS) is part of the Alaska BioPrep Program. The goal of TIPS is to increase proficiency in molecular biological techniques and research processes for high school students and teachers. Teachers receive training through a two-week on-line course, followed by a one-week hands-on laboratory course taught by UAF biomedical researchers. Teachers are supported throughout the school year by continued interactions with researchers. All supplies required for integrating molecular biological laboratories into H.S. curricula are provided, as well as costs for teacher training.

The Large Animal Research Station (LARS) provides hand-on learning opportunities for K-12 students. The LARS outreach program introduces the natural history and ecology of muskoxen, caribou, reindeer and current research to students. LARS provides curriculum packets, containing the essential information about the station and basic facts about the animals. These activities are designed to meet the Alaska grade-level expectations for specific grades in many areas. Students participate in activities that develop science, math and literacy skills. There are also many add-on activities for the classroom to further engage students in the arctic experience.

Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (PolarTREC) is a program in which K-12 teachers spend 2-6 weeks participating in hands-on field research experiences in the Arctic or Antarctic. While in the field, teachers and researchers connect with classrooms and the public through use of Internet tools such as online teacher and researcher journals, message boards, photo albums, podcasts, "PolarConnect" calls and presentations from the field, and online learning resources. After the field experience, teachers and researchers continue to share their experience with the public through public presentations, scientific conferences, teacher workshops, and journal articles. Each PolarTREC teacher also creates instructional activities to transfer scientific data, methodologies, and technology into their classrooms. The PolarTREC program is managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United State (ARCUS), and is located in Fairbanks, Alaska.